Getting the plastic off a quad

[WantToBe]

I got a quad at the right price... FREE 

I have to repair the brakes and engine so I gotta take off the plastic, BUT that's the issue. The handle bars bracket has got me stumped. When I remove the handle bars you can see a 6mm bolt in the bracket so me thinks unscrew that and all should be sweet. I unscrew it a good 25mm/1" and it feels like there is still more to go but the bracket is still rock solid. I would have thought the bracket would show signs of movement.

Anybody can confirm I should keep unscrewing the 6mm bolt? I doubt I should be unscrewing the steering shaft itself just to remove the plastic.

I am a first timer so do not want to stuff anything up

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ajmboy]

Don't you have to take the big nut off like on a bike? Did you get it off?

[WantToBe]

I remember taking off the bit nut on me push bike many decades ago and ball bearings (from the race) going everywhere on the floor 😝.

Going to work on it again today. Decided to unscrew the 6mm bolt all the way and see what happens. Last resort is the big nut 🤞 

[Mech]

That plate's probably on a tapered or splined shaft. I'd wind that six mill bolt out a small amount, perhaps six turns, then either use a puller and pull the plate or lever it up, and give the bolt a sharp tap with a small hammer. Don't bash it too hard or you'll bend the bolt. It's not likely to damage the threads if it is a long bolt as you say..  Allen keys are tough. If you are using a puller, press against the allen key and then tap the end of the puller's bolt..

If it's a splined shaft the plate should move with the puller, but if it's a tapered shaft it will need a tap, either on the end of the allen key, or on the side of the sleeve under that plate.. A sharp tap with a small engineers hammer's better than a hard whack with a bigger hammer.

[WantToBe]

Took the 6mm bolt out completely, still the steering bracket was rock solid. Loosened off the big nuts and from the underneath that wasn't going to help. Time to get the 'persuading' tools out. 

After giving it a WD40 squirt I give the bracket a couple of taps with the hammer, nah no good. Next up was the big screw driver, jammed it in the bracket and with a sideways force give the handle a whack. Jackpot, it come loose. Mission accomplished.

Thanks for the advice guys 😉